Best baby shops in NYC

Where to load up on all the clothes, toys and gear your munchkin needs.

By Time Out editors Mon Jul 2 2012

Metro Minis Photo by Sophia Wallace

Babies "R" Us24–30 Union Sq East between 15th and 16th Sts (212-798-9905, babiesrus.com). Subway: L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq. The Union Square outlet of this megachain has just about everything you could ever possibly need to feed, bathe, diaper, clothe, transport and entertain your babe. Even though it specializes in the affordable, it does carry some high-end brands such as Bugaboo.

Buy Buy Baby 270 Seventh Ave between 25th and 26th Sts (917-344-1555, buybuybaby.com). Subway: 1 to 28th St. Show up on a weekend afternoon and it might be rough to navigate through the sea of bellies working on their registries. The selection of goods is vast, from basic pacifiers, bibs and washcloths to floor-to-ceiling displays of fancier diaper bags and bedding. You'll also find strollers (both low- and high-end), as well as nursery setups complete with cribs, sheet sets and mobiles.

Giggle*120 Wooster St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-334-5817, giggle.com). Subway: C, E to Spring St; R, W to Prince St;*352 Amsterdam Ave between 76th and 77th Sts (212-362-8680, giggle.com). Subway: 1 to 79th St.*1033 Lexington Ave at 74th St (212-249-4249, giggle.com). Subway: 6 to 77th St. A stroller parking lot, an iPod listening station, an in-store changing table and weekly storytimes are just a few of the nifty amenities at this everything-for-baby spot. Make sure to check out the baby blankets, mobiles, bibs (we're particularly fond of the creations from Dwell Baby) and booties.

Metro Minis821 Park Ave at 75th St (212-313-9600, metrominis.com). Subway: 6 to 77th St. This 1,000-square-foot store located on the unlikely corner of Park Avenue and 75th Street is packed with carriers that allow you to strap your baby to your chest, back or hip—from the popular Ergo to rarer stretchy-fleece pouches, raw-silk slings and Asian-style mei tais. Owner Bianca Fehn and babywearing expert Koyuki Smith also teach free Babywearing 101 workshops at the store. The classes draw those who are curious about but intimidated by the idea of shunning the stroller.

Mini Jake178 North 9th St between Bedford and Driggs Aves, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-782-2005, minijake.com). Subway: L to Bedford Ave. Everything's ultramodern at this Billyburg baby mecca, a spin-off of Brooklyn design store Two Jakes. Look for the latest bags, strollers and cribs from brands like Oeuf, Argington and Bloom.

Planet Kids*247 E 86th St between Second and Third Aves (212-426-2040, planetkidsny.com). Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St; *191–193 Amsterdam Ave between 68th and 69th Sts (212-362-3931, planetkidsny.com). Subway: 1, 2, 3 to 72nd St. Everything from a slew of strollers—Maclaren, Stokke and Bugaboo—to playpens and diaper bags can be found at this cornucopia of baby gear. Second-time parents can also pick up something for their firstborn.